ComplaintsforGettel Kia of Bradenton

• Initial Complaint

  07/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Do yourself a favor and go to another Kia ******* Integrity is non-negotiable, and unfortunately, this dealership falls short. The advertised prices on their website are misleading; they engage in a bait-and-switch tactic by adding a mandatory ceramic undercoating package to the vehicle.We are filing a complaint with ***********************, the Attorney General of Florida, because there is nothing more infuriating than a dealership that lacks integrity. This deceptive practice is used on all vehicles to lure customers in. They attempted to hide it in fine print at the bottom of the page, but their actions clearly violate the Consumer Protection Act of ******* and the verbiage they used is no complaint verbiage. Its time for accountability and a teachable moment for the franchise owner of this Kia *********** My brother is an attorney and validated the lack of compliance and improper verbiage . Buying else where and ensuring this dealership is taught a valuable ****** in ethics . Press release will follow from our PR firm its the least we can do!

  Business response

  07/26/2024

  ******************** has been satisfied. I spoke to him and his wife about the package that they referred to and purchased the vehicle today.

   

   

  Thank You,

  *******************

  General Manager

  Gettel Kia of Bradenton

• Initial Complaint

  05/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 11, 2024 I purchased a 2015 mini countryman from Gettal *** of Bradenton. I was upsold 2 separate warranty by the finance manager ********************************* at the time I signed the documents. One was auto car care for $459 and another called Auto ****** for $527.50. Both of these have full refund if cancelled within 30 day cancellation clause.On January 20, 2024, I returned to dealership and spoke to finance manager ********************************* about canceling these to products. He had me fill out a cancellation form and back dated it to January 11, 2024 as he said it was easier for paperwork. He said it takes 6-8 weeks for refund to bank account. On march 11, 2024 I received the refund of $459 to my bank for the car care. On april 25, 2024 I sent email to Finance Manager ********************************* and sales manager *********************, inquiring about refund for Auto ****** of $527.50. No response.On april 30, I left voicemail for *********************************** inquiring about refund of $527.50 for Auto ******. No response. On 5/7/2024, I left message for *********************************** reguarding refund.

  Business response

  05/10/2024

  ****,

  Good Morning. I apologize for ******** not getting this resolved for you. I will get this handled for you and make sure that the refund is expedited as well. What is the best phone to reach you at?

   

   

  Thank You,

  *******************

  General Manager

  Gettel Kia of Bradenton

  Customer response

  05/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 21692928
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  I appreciate the response from the ** and the phone call from Finance Manager, ******.  ****** explained it was a mistake and will be processed,  however,   I still have not received the $527.50.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  05/26/2024

  Good morning. We have received proof that cancellation was applied to his loan per his lien holder. We can email to the consumer as well if he would like?

   

  Thanks,

   

  ***************

  General Manager

  Gettel Kia of Bradenton

  Customer response

  05/28/2024

   
  Complaint: 21692928
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  I don't see the credit of $527.50 and the lienholder, who is my credit union that I use for all my vehicle loans and credit cards is telling me they do not see it either.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  06/13/2024

  Good morning. I figured this out so there was a maintenance contract that was cancelled as well is why the amount the lender sent was 459 to his loan balance. I have figured out the auto ****** which the check will be mailed to him today. Sorry for the confusion.

• Initial Complaint

  04/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have ask** them on numerous occasions to send me a copy of the paperwork that I sign** at the time of purchase that is not in a zip file either mail it to me or email it to me I've tri** to open the zip file that they email** to me. I'm unable to open it if I'm able to open it on a computer it asks me for a password which was not provide to me the second problem I have is I have call** them on numerous occasions left a message to get my ignition fix** I have an issue with my ignition but nobody will return my call so that I can get this problem fix ** basically I feel like they sold me the car and their job was done and no longer want to have any contact with me I did call another dealership but they told me I had to take it back to this dealership because where the original recall was done. the ignition I feel that they put in my car is faulty

  Business response

  04/18/2024

  I apologize for the issue with your electronic documents and I will have them printed for you today, when would you like to pick them up? We can also try to email them again if you would like?  Also did you purchase the car in your name only if not who else also signed documents? I will also have our service director ************** contact you today as well. Please feel free to contact me at anytime as I am here to help anyway that I cant at *********************** or **********************************

   

  Thank You,

   

  *******************

  General Manager

  Gettel Kia of Bradenton

  Customer response

  04/22/2024

   
  Complaint: 21591098
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I was very adamant about not paying for gap insurance telling them I did not want it but as you can see from the document after they claimed it was going to be no charge to me they charged me $560 I want a refund they lied to me and I don't appreciate it. They sent another finance manager in to try to talk me into it and I told him I did not want it that's when they told me it would be for free but as you can see from the uploaded image they charged me $560.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Business response

  04/23/2024

  Good morning. I can email you a cancellation form today if you could please fill out it then email it back then I can get it cancelled for you. 

   

  Thanks,

  *******************

  General Manager

  Gettel Kia of Bradenton

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I saw an ad for a 2017 kia ******* 2T EX. Model on cars.com. I reached out to the dealership via text message, via the site itself and phone calls. I inquire about the car, was told it's still on the lot. Due to my work schedule, Inquire of the car will still be ther or could he held till I was able to go see it later in the week. Was informed couldn't hold it, but would be informed if it was sold before I had a chance to see. The dealership representative, manager and sales member all reach out to confirm I would be showing up later in the week. I Said I would, I asked about the car and even interior picture-which were not on the website to see. Come today Friday March 1st. I called ahead, updated my appointment and specify I was coming to see the specific kia *******. I driver over 2.5 hours, with traffic and i arrived and first I'm told the car was sold this morning!! I had called in the Morning! Then after the sales rep and manager talk .. the car is not sold..its not available for sale..which in that case why is even on being sold online? Let alone their website!I finally get to see the car and it's dirty on the outside and inside..as if it's been sitting for weeks.some time. Apparently they are waiting on a part..thats backorder.. but the manager doesn't know which part.. that seems a bit odd. And then, they begin to offer me another vehicle.. thats not in the same price range, not the same trim, not the same color. I appear to have been baited and switch by the dealership. I took time off from work to do this.. and I could have been told at the beginning of the week it wasn't ready!!!I wasted my time, my money on getting here, put added stress on my car. Thats at risk of breaking down.. this is unjust and bad faith practice. And all they could offered is fill up my tank.. that I had to already filled up to come here!!They should have the decency to have the requested car available and not waste the time of working people.

  Business response

  03/18/2024

  I would like to apologize for your recent experience and any inconvenience that it has caused you. The vehicle you are interested in does need a part which is a harness that is on backorder with ***.  As soon as we receive the specific date that this part will be available and shipped from *** we will let you know. If you would like us to secure the vehicle for you, please also let me know. I know that you stated in this complaint that your vehicle is having issues so if you need something sooner, please contact me directly at ********************************* I will try my best if you do not want to wait for the part to find something that fits your needs. 

  Thank You,

  *******************

   

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  *******************************, Service Advisor, ************ has lied and misrepresented the Federal Emissions Warranty on my daughters 2017 ******** Hybrid. He has told me that the car is not eligible for this warranty claims because she is not the original owner, he told me the 12v Lithium Ion battery is not covered by this warranty, and that the bad fuse that was recalled didn't cause the battery to swell. He is wrong. The fuse overheats and causes the battery to swell, it does not matter that she is a second owner Federal Law covers her, the warranty manual also states she is covered and that the 12v battery is covered and is part of the Federal coverage for 8 years or ******. *** covers the part for 10 years ******* miles. **** I informed him that he was lying and provided the information he will not refuse to speak to us about the vehicle, when it will be fixed, and he refuses to provide her with a loaner car. They have had this car since Nov 8th. She has an apartment and can't even get to work. I have filed a compliant with *** and they did in fact approve the replacement of the battery but even after they did ***** said they did it as a courtesy. I believe there is some sort of incentive to the technicians at this *** ********** to get people to pay for repairs that should be covered under the warranty. This is fraud. I am concerned about how many people that don't have my ability to research facts have paid thousands of dollars because they were lied to about the warranty coverage.

  Business response

  12/07/2023

  We apologize to the customer for their recent experience at **********************.  The vehicle is ready to be picked up from our service department. Regarding the battery, we were told by our *** representative that they would goodwill the battery to the consumer.  If the customer has any questions or concerns, please have them contact the General Manager, ******************* at ************  

  Customer response

  12/07/2023

   
  Complaint: 20961211
  
  I am rejecting this response because: there is a refusal on the part of Gettel Kia of Bradenton and the Service Advisor, *******************************, to accept and acknowledge his mistake.  He is and continues to lie and mislead about the vehicle's warranty.  *** battery was not approved as a 1 off goodwill gesture.  He keeps saying that and in doing so he is misleading and misrepresenting the facts.  *** 12V Lithium Ion Battery is specifically covered by the Federal Emissions Warranty.  Page 7 of the attached 2017 ***************** is says "*Refer to page 24 Hybrid Batter Pack Coverage." Page 17 details that "owner" means the original and each subsequent owner.  ******************************* told me the Federal Emissions Warranty did not apply to her as she was not the first owner and therefore, the warranty was cut in half to ****** and 5 years.  This is false.  *** Federal Emissions Warranty is MANDATED by the *** ********************************* for 8 years/96,000 miles for certain emissions components and *** goes a step further and covers it for 10 years/100,000 miles. This warranty coverage is never reduced as it does not matter who owns the car and the manufacturer is not able to edit the terms of this warranty. Page **************************************************************** fact "Specific Hybrid System Parts" and are designated and covered by for 10 years/ 100,000 miles. *** 12v Lithium Ion battery is a unified part of the Hybrid Battery Pack Assy.  *** 4 main lithium ion batteries store the electrical power of the car, the *** (Power Relay Assembly) controls the flow of the power between the 4 main Lithium Ion batteries and the 12V Lithium Ion battery.  In this situation, my car, had a recall on the fuse within the ***.  A part that was recalled twice.  *** fuse was found to be faulty without good continuity and did not meet the *** standards of less than 1 ohm of electrical resistance.  When you have bad continuity in a fuse you have way more than 1 ohm of resistance.  Why does *** require the fuse to have less than 1 ohm of resistance?  Because any more than that and it generates heat as the electrons jump from one side of the fuse contacts to the other.  In this situation the gap was so large that the reading on the tester showed OL for open line or open loop (same thing). *** heat that was created by this bad fuse caused the 12v Lithium Ion battery to swell.  *******************************, who is not the mechanic, told us that we were wrong.  *** battery swelled on its' own. This is not possible and a person who does not understand how the electrical components of car work should not be the service advisor coordinating vehicle repairs.  He directly said "I will not replace your battery, I will not provide you with a rental car, I do not care what happens to your vehicle because it's not problem". He was flippant, arrogant, rude, aggressive and hostile and ill mannered.  He, as well as his Director, ***************, would not answer calls, would not respond to emails, and would not advise when the car would be fixed.  *** thing about this whole situation is we never did anything wrong.  ******************************* lacked an understanding of how the car works, refused to listen when we tried to explain, misrepresented the warranty (he flat out lied about it) and instead of saying "you know, you're right.  I was mistaken, the hybrid batteries are part of the Hybrid Battery Pack **************************** System and ************ Control Unit that are listed as specific hybrid systems parts covered by the Federal Emissions Warranty.  I can see that on page ************************************************** my reach I confirmed that the 12v lithium ion battery is an integrated and unified part of the battery pack assembly.  *** fuse was found to be bad and will be replaced by the recall and the heat generated by that fuse damaged the battery.  Everything will be covered by the warranty and as a sign of our goodwill we are going to get you a loaner car so you can get to work and back home until your car is fixed!"  A search of the internet would have shown him that this is a common issue.  A little bit deeper of a search and he would have found all of the *** technical repair manuals like I did that detail and show that the assembly is all integrated. You can't specially decided that the 12v Lithium Ion battery is not covered because you don't want it to be. 

  This situation could have gone a completely different direction if ******************************* had some soft skills and more anger management control.  His insecurities about his lack of vehicle knowledge only allowed him to shut down and block out and logical discussions. Instead of having humility, he dug his heels in deeper.  

  I have thought a lot about why a person who has been with *** for 9.5 years would mispresent and lie about the Federal Emissions Warranty. Something so basic and clearly mandated by Federal Law.  Is it possible he would not know what the law says?  After 9.5 years? Why not admit the mistake and remove any personal liability he would assume by lying?  Why would his boss not inform him?  What's the rub?  Why lie? An industry so heavy regulated with so many fail safes for consumers, why put yourself in that position?  What is the incentive? Does *** issue bonuses to the Service Advisors who sell the most or who have the least warranty claims?  Does it improve ***'s reporting statistics for vehicle safety and reliability if they have less warranty repairs?  ******************************* does not pay for the parts or the work.  ***, as a vehicle manufacturer, is mandated by the ****************** to produce safe and reliable cars and has a duty to ensure their safety.  A known part that was bad, the fuse, a part that generates heat if bad, has been recalled twice because of the heat it generates which leads to fire.  *** fire doesn't come from the fuse, the fire actually comes from the lithium ion battery. *** car shut off so it didn't explode or catch fire.

  I filed complaints with *** ********** BBB Autoline, the ****** the ***, the **** Attorney General *********************** who then forwarded my complaint to the Attorney General's ***************************** I filed a complaint with the ******* ********** of *********** and ******** Services (DACS) and the Florida DHSMV.  *** Attorney General provided me with all the information and resources within the ****************.  *** law protects consumers from such actions.  Since ******************************* didn't do his part to honestly represent *** and the warranty coverage and because he lacked any specific hybrid vehicle knowledge which ultimately lead to this problem, I will not be satisfied until management has ensured that he will receive additional training in: conflict resolution, anger management, soft skills (people skills), training on Federal mandates and laws with regards to Emissions Warranties and consumer protection so he understands that it is illegal and therefore a liability to him and *** to misrepresent the warranty coverage.  My concern is that this issue is systemic within this dealership and others are being injured by these same actions.  This is a crime and it has to stop. *** car is repaired but the injury to us as consumers has not been addressed.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************

• Initial Complaint

  11/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a Kia ******** from this dealership in May of 2022 and just sold the vehicle on October 28, 2023 (had the vehicle for 18 mos). When I purchased the vehicle I also purchased 3 extra warranty contracts that I am *********** a prorated refund for the unused portion. Unfortunately, I am have no luck getting returned calls from the dealership after leaving several messages for the Finance Mgr or the General Mgr of the dealership to call me back. Here is the list of the 3 Contracts I purchased and what I am due as a refund for the unused portion:1) Service Contract 10yrs/10,000 miles @ $2176. Prorated refund due $1,849.60 2) Maintenance Plan 7/105,000 miles @ $2174. Prorated refund due $1708.14 3) Tire Contract 84 months @ $859. Prorated refund due $674.93 * Less Admin Fee of $50 x 3 = $150

  Business response

  11/16/2023

  *******************, General Manager of Gettel *** spoke with the customer and sent her the cancellation forms via email that she will need to fill out  with the needed information and return to him. We can then research her request for a refund and proceed and get the final quote from the warranty company. If **************** needs any further information or has questions she has ****************** contact information.

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ON the evening of 8-2-22, I purchased a new KIA **** from this dealership. I recently refinanced the auto loan for this vehicle for a lower interest rate. I contacted the dealership about three weeks ago to cancel the *** policy. I was told they had no record of me purchasing the car. I found the paperwork associated with the transaction. Stock # *******. I was told recently they email me the cancelation form to cancel my *** Insurance policy. I am still waiting for the cancelation form. **************** in this area could use some improvements. THANKS

  Business response

  08/08/2023

  *********************************, Sales Manager ****** *** reached out to the customer and supplied him with the necessary documents that he requested to cancel his Gap policy. *************, Customer Relations left Mr. **************** a voice mail on 8/8 asking him to call her if he had any other issues on applying for the cancellation.  If we can be of further assistance to ************************ please have him contact us directly.

   

• Initial Complaint

  01/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I bought a Infiniti QX60 on august 18 2022.I was aware of a carfax issue on the vehicle and decided to proceed with the buy. I specifically asked for paint touch up and the installation of apple car play which they agreed to and made me think they were paying for it which turned out they did not.Two days after I bought the car a light came on and the driver window started to malfunction. And a few days after another light came on. The vehicle is under warranty so I was advised to go to the Infiniti dealership.They fixed the window but the light is due to a security sensor in the front of the car on the side of where the incident had previously (before I bought it) occurred. I contacted *** and drove up there to wait two hours for the sales manager ***************** basically accused me of getting in an accident and trying to blame them.After discussions he agreed to fix the car and pay for the part which I was told would be around $400.I ended up paying over $1000 to have them fix a car I had for a few days. They keep it for 5 weeks and told me they were going to touch up the paint (per the service manager **************). I got my car back and the paint was not fixed. I was told they did not know about it.I reached out by phone and never got a call back so decided to keep emailing *** who said that I had to drive the car back.I live one hour away but emailed him on 12/23 to know when and I never heard anything back since then.

  Business response

  01/26/2023

   Service department has reached out to resolve the issues mentioned. Thank you

  Customer response

  01/26/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a Jeep from *** back in Oct 2022. Turns out the brakes and calibers were not done right and all four tires were dry rotted ! The bill came to **** ! While traveling and they said they would take care of it and now saying they will only pay half

  Business response

  01/09/2023

   Not a problem, Refund will be mailed out to the address on the vehicle bill of sale. Thank you for the information.

• Initial Complaint

  10/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We went to Gettel *** on 9/09/2022 To look for a new vehicle, I was just looking around seeing what was out there , I went to meet with a sales representative named ***** who was very sweet and kind I told her my ideal car I was looking for , need less to say I was only giving one option and that was all .. I didnt get to look at nothing else when I was asking bout mother cars I was told everything else wasnt I. Stock , so I got stuck with a 2021 *** ******** we though everything was good well 18 days later we were asked to bring the car back and get my dodge journey back . Which I did but was told my money would be in 7 to 14 days well were coming up on almost a month and still havent got my money, and was charged the full monthly fee of the Sorrento on my bank account, which that money hasnt been returned either. It Needless to say my dodge journey still has the Sorrento registration on it. Its not even legally registered to me and Ive called the general manager nothings gonna resolve. I called the finance manager. Hes rude and keeps saying just to call him that h*** get everything fixed well Ive called. Ive called my dealer for my journey and the case has been closed. The money is pending saying its closed. Im trying to figure out whats going on and I want some answers and I want them Now. This has gone on way to long! And theyre saying that our finances wasnt approved you too we incorrectly filled out the financial statement, which wasnt true. We filled it out right there in there with all the information that we had. The finance manager has been nothing but rude everytime I call to see where my refund is . You can contact me at ************

  Business response

  10/31/2022

   Customer made a error on her credit application. The lending institute verified the info and was unable to do loan at this time. All moneys will be returned when the process has been completed. Customer has been communicating with the finance director and is aware what has happened. Customer is aware of the process that took place and all moneys will be returned when completed. Thank you.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩